Stan Buchan reports from Goldenacre. A good day for rugby on Saturday 8th September saw the 2nd XV succumb to old rivals Heriots by the score of 35 to 17 at Goldenacre.
The early kick-off saw an early try for Heriots duly converted from the touchline by the wily campaigner that is Graham Wilson at 9. Play was then held up for 10 minutes as one of the Heriots props was taken off the field with a head knock. Thankfully no lasting damage apparently and we all wish him a speedy return.
The game moved on and the break seemed to get us back in the mood for the fray and we were soon on the attack with what looked like a certain try in the corner. This was stopped by one of the Heriots players shoulder barging our player into touch. From my position on the far touchline, I immediately thought Yellow Card for the ‘no-arms’ tackle and penalty try as it appeared certain that a try would have been scored. Not so, said the female referee, and a penalty to Watsonians was awarded and no further punishment to Heriots.
The try wasn’t long in coming however as from the resultant lineout, Sonians caught and drove Heriots back over their line for Miller to score. Bell was unable to convert but at least we were in the game. Our scrum grew stronger with both props, Jackson and Ferguson putting in good shifts in the tight and Jackson looking sprightly in the loose. Heriots showed though, that whatever we could do they could do as well and from a penalty they kicked for the lineout option and drove over to score in the opposite corner from their opening try. Wilson, reliable from both sides converted well to take Heriots to 14 – 5.
Back we came once again and after pressure on their line we were awarded a penalty. I thought easy 3 points; Gary Scott thought scrum and Andy O’Neill took a quick tap and powered over near the posts to give Chris Bell an easy conversion to take it to 14 – 12. Heriots just had time to go up the pitch and score again despite a great cover tackle by Bell or Ferguson but the referee chalked it off. We thought for a double movement, so a penalty but she saw a knock-on, so our scrum which we cleared and the ref blew for half time.
Heriots obviously got the message at half-time because they came out looking the more purposeful of the two teams after the break. Wilson and his partner at half-back, Stuart Edwards, continually put Heriots into positions where they could exert pressure. What a joy for young players learning the game to play alongside such experienced and gifted players. From these positions, Heriots were able to score a further 3 tries, all of which Wilson converted and gain his team a sizeable advantage. It shows much credit to a much changed Watsonian XV that they stuck to their task and scored the last try of the match when Henderson, again showing up well on the wing, picked an exquisite line to run through Heriots defence to score the final try of the game. Chris Bell, at least ten years the junior of his opposite number Edwards, could not convert and the referee brought the game to an end. It would be fair to say that Heriots deserved their victory by 35 points (5 goals) to 17 points (1 goal and 2 tries).
The dizzy heights of last season when we finished runners-up behind Melrose should now be consigned to history. We should have had four teams out on Saturday but could only raise three. The 3rd XV didn’t play because Gala 2s couldn’t raise a team for the first Saturday of the season!! We are desperately seeking a 3rd XV manager to take over from the now departed David Finlay. Until this happens, the chances of putting out 4 sides is slim. If anybody out there feels they have time on their hands and would like to make a contribution to the Club then please step forward!
On Saturday, our half backs were playing their second 2nd XV league game in contrast to the Heriots pair who were present in the 1st XV a couple of years back and guiding them to a League and Cup double! Due to injury and unavailability we had no replacement backs on Saturday and a back row playing in the second row! Add to this 2 call-offs on the Friday due to sickness and I think the team did well to compete but in order to remain within the top 2nd XVs in Scotland we need players down training and we need players focussed on the task at hand. It may not be fashionable to play the ‘emotional’ card in terms of match preparation these days but I would have to say that Heriots were more ‘up’ for this local derby than we were and I find that difficult to accept. In a league of local derbies, we had better find a way of gaining an edge on our opponents or else suffer the consequences.
Man of the Match: Chris Scott
Team: 1. Jackson, 2. Miller, 3. Ferguson D, 4. Middleton, 5. O’Neill, 6. Pearce, 7. Harris, 8. Scott, 9. King, 10. Bell C, 11. Henderson, 12. Bell A, 13. Farquhar, 14. Tasoren (debut), 15. Ferguson J
Replacements: Gibson, Ross, Keenan, Richardson.
